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Suggest Treatment For Anxiety And High BP
Question: Hello dr sharka I have an update I suffer from anxiety I went to emergency on Thursday and my blood pressure was 150/80 this is high for me my normal blood pressure is usually 110-120- 70-80 for the last 3 years I have never had blood pressure problems I went to my gp again today and of course I was panicky bc of my blood pressure again 150/80 I am.not over weight I had cardiac work done last year all normal I can upload my most recent blood work can my anxiety be making my blood prsssue high she said it is the bottom number that is important she said no pills necessary until she sees my next reading is it possible to have normal blood pressure my whole line and within a week or two for it to be high
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome back on HCM!
I carefully passed through your question and would explain that your symptoms are related to "White Coat Syndrome".
This means, that your blood pressure tends to be higher at the doctor office or at the hospital. This clinical situation is mainly explained by the anxiety and fear when facing with the medical examination.
You should know that during anxiety or emotional stress, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, leading to increased levels of circulating adrenaline and noradrenaline, causing increased heart rate and blood pressure values.
But, as your blood pressure are normal most of the time, there is no need to worry.
These episodes of high blood pressure during anxiety or at the doctor office do not cause any harm to your heart or blood vessels. For this reason, there is no need to be treated.
Other factors that may contribute to high blood pressure episodes are increased salt in your diet, coffee or caffeine intake, etc..
Coming to this point, I would recommend you to closely monitor your blood pressure during the day (in sitting position after 10 minutes of total relax) frequently and write these values down.
If your blood pressure values are normal most of the time, there is no need to perform any additional tests or take any medication.
I would just recommend reduce salt and caffeine intake in the next days.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Let me know about everything!
Wishing good health,
Dr. Iliri
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome back on HCM!
I carefully passed through your question and would explain that your symptoms are related to "White Coat Syndrome".
This means, that your blood pressure tends to be higher at the doctor office or at the hospital. This clinical situation is mainly explained by the anxiety and fear when facing with the medical examination.
You should know that during anxiety or emotional stress, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, leading to increased levels of circulating adrenaline and noradrenaline, causing increased heart rate and blood pressure values.
But, as your blood pressure are normal most of the time, there is no need to worry.
These episodes of high blood pressure during anxiety or at the doctor office do not cause any harm to your heart or blood vessels. For this reason, there is no need to be treated.
Other factors that may contribute to high blood pressure episodes are increased salt in your diet, coffee or caffeine intake, etc..
Coming to this point, I would recommend you to closely monitor your blood pressure during the day (in sitting position after 10 minutes of total relax) frequently and write these values down.
If your blood pressure values are normal most of the time, there is no need to perform any additional tests or take any medication.
I would just recommend reduce salt and caffeine intake in the next days.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Let me know about everything!
Wishing good health,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hello
I don't drink caffeine and I don't do a lot of sodium actually I track my sodium my problem is each time I try tootsie my blood pressure at home I get anxious thinking it is going to be high so really it is the machine itself that I fear
I don't drink caffeine and I don't do a lot of sodium actually I track my sodium my problem is each time I try tootsie my blood pressure at home I get anxious thinking it is going to be high so really it is the machine itself that I fear
Brief Answer:
My answer as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Yes, it is true that the blood pressure machine may make this effect.
It is the fact that you are excited to know your blood pressure values, that makes your blood pressure go up.
But, the only way to get used to this issue and try eliminate anxiety is to measure your blood pressure frequently during the day.
Another tip would by Yoga. You should know that Yoga is a natural drug against anxiety. Besides it can also help reduce blood pressure values.
At the end, if nothing works, I would recommend trying Alprazolam 0.25mg three times daily.
If your blood pressure values are normal after taking this drug (which helps relieve anxiety), it would be another argument in favor of the above mentioned diagnosis.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Wishing good health,
Dr. Iliri
My answer as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Yes, it is true that the blood pressure machine may make this effect.
It is the fact that you are excited to know your blood pressure values, that makes your blood pressure go up.
But, the only way to get used to this issue and try eliminate anxiety is to measure your blood pressure frequently during the day.
Another tip would by Yoga. You should know that Yoga is a natural drug against anxiety. Besides it can also help reduce blood pressure values.
At the end, if nothing works, I would recommend trying Alprazolam 0.25mg three times daily.
If your blood pressure values are normal after taking this drug (which helps relieve anxiety), it would be another argument in favor of the above mentioned diagnosis.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Wishing good health,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I have never had high blood pressure I am finding since I quit smoking it has come more often and when I got those 2 high readings I am anxious now I can't even take it at home ... I have uploaded most recent blood work and blood pressure readings
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for the additional information.
Your blood lab tests are within the normal ranges.
Coming to this point, you should consider anxiety as the main cause of your complaints.
From the other hand smoking withdrawal can lead to increased anxiety.
But, as I already explained above, isolated episodes of high blood pressure do not indicate uncontrolled hypertension. They are related to physical activity or anxiety. They do not cause any harm to your heart or blood vessels and do not need to be treated. You should know that these episodes occur in every healthy persons during these situations.
Only if your blood pressure values are persistently high (above 140/90 mm Hg) during the day or night, you should consider anti hypertensive therapy.
But, you can try first Alprazolam 0.25mg three times daily for a week and closely monitor your blood pressure values. It will help reduce anxiety and give a more clear view of your clinical situation.
I would also recommend Yoga. It can help both against anxiety and high blood pressure.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Let me know about everything!
Wishing good health,
Dr. Iliri
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for the additional information.
Your blood lab tests are within the normal ranges.
Coming to this point, you should consider anxiety as the main cause of your complaints.
From the other hand smoking withdrawal can lead to increased anxiety.
But, as I already explained above, isolated episodes of high blood pressure do not indicate uncontrolled hypertension. They are related to physical activity or anxiety. They do not cause any harm to your heart or blood vessels and do not need to be treated. You should know that these episodes occur in every healthy persons during these situations.
Only if your blood pressure values are persistently high (above 140/90 mm Hg) during the day or night, you should consider anti hypertensive therapy.
But, you can try first Alprazolam 0.25mg three times daily for a week and closely monitor your blood pressure values. It will help reduce anxiety and give a more clear view of your clinical situation.
I would also recommend Yoga. It can help both against anxiety and high blood pressure.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Let me know about everything!
Wishing good health,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you
Brief Answer:
You are welcome!
Detailed Answer:
I am glad to have been helpful to you!
I would be happy to answer to your questions at any time! So, if you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask me again!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
You are welcome!
Detailed Answer:
I am glad to have been helpful to you!
I would be happy to answer to your questions at any time! So, if you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask me again!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi sorry
I went to the de yesterday she took my blood pressure 110/70 although my when I showed her my heart rate readings she said she was pretty sure that it was from my anxiety but will have me wearing it just to be sure . I am alittle anxious I am pretty sure it is due to anxiety and with all the tests I have done last year which u have I hope it is anxiety only question is ... what can't I do with this monitor on ...
I went to the de yesterday she took my blood pressure 110/70 although my when I showed her my heart rate readings she said she was pretty sure that it was from my anxiety but will have me wearing it just to be sure . I am alittle anxious I am pretty sure it is due to anxiety and with all the tests I have done last year which u have I hope it is anxiety only question is ... what can't I do with this monitor on ...
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Did you put on a blood pressure monitor or an ECG monitor?
The blood pressure monitor would help examine your blood pressure trends during the day.
The ECG monitor would do the same for the heart rate.
You should act normally and perform all your daily activities, without any restriction.
You can also take notes, when you are resting or performing a straining physical activity or when you are feeling anxious.
This will help interpret better the monitor findings. As you know anxiety and physical activity cause a normal raise in your blood pressure and heart rate.
Hope to have clarified some of your uncertainties!
Let me know about everything!
Regards,
Dr. Iliri
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Did you put on a blood pressure monitor or an ECG monitor?
The blood pressure monitor would help examine your blood pressure trends during the day.
The ECG monitor would do the same for the heart rate.
You should act normally and perform all your daily activities, without any restriction.
You can also take notes, when you are resting or performing a straining physical activity or when you are feeling anxious.
This will help interpret better the monitor findings. As you know anxiety and physical activity cause a normal raise in your blood pressure and heart rate.
Hope to have clarified some of your uncertainties!
Let me know about everything!
Regards,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hello
Sorry let me explain I went to see my GP I showed her my blood pressure values taken 3 x 15 min apart she was not so concerned as the last reading was normal then she took my reading and it was normal she is certain that it is anxiety but she wants me to wear a 48 hour holter monitor for heart rate o make sure it is anxiety . I have been given anti-anxiety pills for emergency .25mg
I just wanted your opinion on what u think with all the tests I did last year and blood this year I am hoping the tacardia is anxiety related.
Sorry let me explain I went to see my GP I showed her my blood pressure values taken 3 x 15 min apart she was not so concerned as the last reading was normal then she took my reading and it was normal she is certain that it is anxiety but she wants me to wear a 48 hour holter monitor for heart rate o make sure it is anxiety . I have been given anti-anxiety pills for emergency .25mg
I just wanted your opinion on what u think with all the tests I did last year and blood this year I am hoping the tacardia is anxiety related.
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
I agree with you and your doctor that tachycardia is related to anxiety.
All your performed tests have shown nothing abnormal.
So, relax and don't worry about.
The ECG Holter monitoring will help examine your heart rhythm trends and exclude possible cardiac arrhythmia. But, I am sure that it will result normal and will confirm the fact that anxiety is playing an important role in your situation.
Let me know about everything!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
I agree with you and your doctor that tachycardia is related to anxiety.
All your performed tests have shown nothing abnormal.
So, relax and don't worry about.
The ECG Holter monitoring will help examine your heart rhythm trends and exclude possible cardiac arrhythmia. But, I am sure that it will result normal and will confirm the fact that anxiety is playing an important role in your situation.
Let me know about everything!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hello so I have a 48 hr holter monitor on my question. Is I have gone to the nail salon and they have small uv light dryers will this interfere with the readings I was told to do everything except use the microwave and shower please advise
Brief Answer:
It will not interfere with the Holter readings.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
I understand your concern and would like to explain that the small UV light dryers will not interfere with the reading of your Holter monitoring.
So, there is nothing to worry about!
If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to ask me again!
Regards,
Dr. Iliri
It will not interfere with the Holter readings.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
I understand your concern and would like to explain that the small UV light dryers will not interfere with the reading of your Holter monitoring.
So, there is nothing to worry about!
If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to ask me again!
Regards,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hello
I just wanted to confirm I had forgotten that they told me not to go near the microwave and I did start it for my daughter then I remembered and walked away so in total was in front of it for maybe 2 min should I be worried so I take off the monitor is something going to happen to me or should I just tell them when I return the machine that I was in front of the microwave and what time
Sorry I am alittle worried now that something is going to happen to me
I just wanted to confirm I had forgotten that they told me not to go near the microwave and I did start it for my daughter then I remembered and walked away so in total was in front of it for maybe 2 min should I be worried so I take off the monitor is something going to happen to me or should I just tell them when I return the machine that I was in front of the microwave and what time
Sorry I am alittle worried now that something is going to happen to me
Brief Answer:
I would advise as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
I don't think that it will interfere with the Holter readings, but I would advise you to take note of the time when the exposure to the microwave happened and refer it to your doctor ( when taking off the Holter).
Hope to have been helpful to you!
Let me know about everything!
Best wishes,
Dr.Iliri
I would advise as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
I don't think that it will interfere with the Holter readings, but I would advise you to take note of the time when the exposure to the microwave happened and refer it to your doctor ( when taking off the Holter).
Hope to have been helpful to you!
Let me know about everything!
Best wishes,
Dr.Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
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